Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought...

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought to clear acne primarily through its ability to permanently reduce skin oil (sebum) production.

Isotretinoin is available in capsule form and is usually taken twice a day. Your physician will prescribe an initial dose, and this dose may increase or decrease depending on the response to treatment and side effects.

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November 7, 2009

Pros:

So far I haven't seen any improvement in the appearance of my spots but they are less sore.

Cons:

Blood test every month. And I've experienced so many side-effects. Cracked lips. Dry peeling skin. Red itchy flaky patches on my arms. Red bumps on the back of my hands. All the dryness is making my skin feel like it got burned.

I haven't had any improvement in my acne probably because I haven't been on the medication long enough. I'm going to continue to take it for 6 months as advised by my dermatologist and hopefully it works.
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November 1, 2009

Pros:

Cleared grade five acne completelyonly very minor scaring on cheeks left after 3rd month

Cons:

Left depressed and anxious unable to lead a normal teenage life wishing she had never heard of the treatment and only had bad skin to worry about.

Do not - repeat do not use this drug. Spots are much easier to live with than depression
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October 28, 2009

Pros:

My younger brother took accutane last year to help clear the teen acne. It seemed like a great idea, clearing up his acne and giving him that boost in confidence all teen boys need. While these were great changes, they were short lived.

Cons:

My brother fell into a deep depression. He had a loss of social interaction, hallucinations, a loss of motivation and severe changes in the appetite of a young teen boy. My brother could not make it school and could hardly ever make it out of bed.

Every test in the book was ran rule out any illnesses or cancer, and now his condition is attributed to accutane. Now that we know what has caused my brother to become a completely different person who may never become a productive person in our society, I want to make sure others seriously consider the risks of this dangerous drugs. It is hard to cope with the fact that such a dangerous acne pill that shouldn't be on the market has mutilated the life of my brother and taken him away from me. It is hard to watch my Mom and Dad have so much hope for their son, but sadly realize there really isn't any. I miss my brother...don't lose your loved one to accutane!
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October 23, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my severe acne for 2-3 years, then I needed another course.

Cons:

blood tests monthly, wreaks havoc with your liver long-term

Altogether, I have been treated with this 5 times, 6 months at a time. Each time, it worked when no other antibiotic/topical combo had for me. Unfortunately, results are not permanent for me, and I need to continue repeating it. Of course, the doctors are very cautious about prescribing it again, and would prefer that I keep my severe cystic acne than to use this again.
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September 10, 2009

Pros:

NONE!

Cons:

I was on it for over NINE months, it did nothing but enflame my acne even worse. I have found other products since. I had to suffer through side effects with no results at all.

If it doesnt' work after a month, move on. Increasing the dose will only make things worse.
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August 27, 2009

Pros:

no oilyness (scalp/face)

Cons:

dry skin everywhere, skin takes longer to heal, nightmares, mild depression

i've been using isotane for 3-4 months now, and my skin is worse than when i begun the treatment. going to keep taking it in the hope that my acne is due to the bad stuff still coming out.
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August 8, 2009
Worked great the first month, was suprised as I was told it'd get worse before it gets better. The second month, I took the pill (Yasmin) with Accutane, then my skin started flaring up. The third month, I went off Yasmin and remained on Accutane, and my skin started to clear up again. I am now in months 5/6 of Accutane and my skin is flaring up.. it doesn't seem to be at all consistent with me, possibly because I am vacationing in a hot humid place for summer after living in a cold dry city for the past year. All in all, after 5 months of being on Accutane, I am still waiting to see some stable results. My cheeks are red and raw and my lips are dry and chapped.
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July 28, 2009

Pros:

Yet to see. Comforting reading the testimonials though.

Cons:

Dry flaking, burning skin and scalp, dry peeling, sore lips. Itchiness which can be embarrassing.

Ive been using tetracylines for 3 years now and my skin is clear while on it. i need something long term as i cant take antibiotics all my life. A physician recommended accutane. Its been 2 weeks and man the side effects are severe. This is what chemotherapy must feel like. I still have the acne which started the day I stopped the Tets. So keeping chin up stocking up on moisturizer and hoping for the best. Will keep you posted
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

Clears your face up like a charm.

Cons:

The cost is INSANE. Between the medicine, doctors visits, monthly blood tests, and birth control they make you take for liability purposes. Easily $1000 a month. Bad side effects as well..

This is a wonderful medicine for people with oily skin that results in severe acne. The side effects for me were extreme dryness EVERYWHERE, very bad muscle pain (especially in my back), and eventually blurred vision. I had to go off of it after 3 months, and my face looked great but two years later and I'm back to moderate acne. Overall, this drug is great for some people and not so good for others.
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July 6, 2009

Pros:

It does work and that is the only pro.

Cons:

I experienced horrible side effects. My lips were always super dry, I became depressed, had suicidal thoughts, and I had irritable bowel syndrome, panic attacks and I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I had to get of after just 2 months.

I do not recommend Accutane to anyone. I understand that not everybody experiences the side effects, but please don't take a chance because that's exactly what I did. For acne scars I recommend laser surgery. It might be expensive, but it really works.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website